This fundraiser is to help my brother Ryan get a much needed electric wheelchair and help with his post-care transition because he has recently experienced a life-altering spinal cord injury that started from an infection. After undergoing spinal fusion surgery, doctors told him there’s a 50/50 chance he’ll ever walk again. He is currently paralyzed from the waist down and his full recovery could take up to two years or longer. Right now, he’s in acute rehab working to regain strength and will soon move to subacute care to continue the long rehabilitation process. But once he leaves these medical facilities, he’ll need an electric wheelchair to safely get around and maintain any level of independence. He’s having a harder time regaining upper body strength from other previous shoulder and wrist injuries, which is why we feel this option would be best for improving his quality of life. The type of chair he needs, one with enough range, speed, and durability for daily life, costs between $2,000 and $3,000. Unfortunately, Medicaid makes this process extremely difficult and frustrating, and won’t cover the chair he truly needs. Government assistance takes time and he needs help now.

My brother has had a tough road. He’s spent years battling addiction and the harsh realities that come with it. In his own words:

“If I hadn’t been living the way I was, this probably wouldn’t have happened. But I’ve had years of addiction and hardships I’m still fighting through. Any help I receive now can gear me toward bettering myself, helping others around me, and finally taking care of the things and responsibilities I need to.”

He’s not claiming to have everything figured out. But he’s truly trying. And this wheelchair, along with the support to get through this difficult chapter, could be the start of something better.

All donations will go directly toward:

-Purchasing the power wheelchair he needs

-Accessibility and mobility-related costs

-Support during this critical phase of his recovery

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for helping someone who’s trying to rebuild, even if the road is long. Every dollar and every share makes a real difference. Any words of encouragement are also greatly appreciated.